Premier: Sarawak not only adapting to green economy, but shaping it

KUCHING (Sept 9): The Green Mobility Innovation Summit in Kuching reflects Sarawak’s determination to take the lead in sustainable mobility and green economy development, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said Sarawak is not only adapting to the global shift towards a green economy, but was actively shaping it—hence, the timely and relevant theme of the summit ‘Driving the Future: Talent, Innovation and Sustainability in Green Mobility’.

“Around the world, nations are seeking ways to decarbonise their economies, with transportation at the forefront of this transformation.

“Sarawak fully recognises this challenge but more importantly, we see it as an opportunity to leap forward into a green, digital and innovation-driven economy,” he said in his speech delivered by Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn at the launching ceremony of the summit at Imperial Hotel here yesterday.

Abang Johari said the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 placed green growth at its core as Sarawak pursues its aspirations of becoming a high income and developed state by 2030.

He highlighted five key pillars in Sarawak’s green economy agenda—renewable energy, hydrogen economy, sustainable transportation, circular economy and green talent development.

“Sarawak is already the largest producer of renewable hydropower in Malaysia, and we continue to invest in solar, wind, and hydrogen technologies. We are also among the pioneers in Southeast Asia in advancing hydrogen economy, having launched the first integrated hydrogen production plant and refuelling station in the region,” he said.

He noted that Sarawak’s hydrogen buses and fuel cell vehicles underscored its commitment to sustainable mobility, alongside efforts to develop electric buses, explore electric trains and autonomous vehicles, and promote recycling through eco-industrial parks and low-carbon industries.

He also emphasised the importance of nurturing talent, saying that the future of the green economy rests on the next generation of scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs.

“The ideas shared here today (Sept 8) have the potential to inform policies, create new businesses, and empower communities. More importantly, this summit highlights that no single country or state can achieve green mobility in isolation.

“It requires cross-border dialogue, partnerships, and shared responsibility, and Sarawak is ready to be part of that global dialogue,” he said.

Abang Johari called on delegates to explore collaboration in research and development, clean technology ventures, capacity building, and knowledge exchange.

“Green mobility is not just about cleaner cars or smarter buses. It is about creating liveable cities, inclusive communities, and a resilient planet for future generations,” he said.

The two-day Green Mobility Innovation Summit, running from Sept 8-9, gathered over 750 delegates including speakers, moderators, and panellists from Malaysia, China, the United Kingdom, Singapore, the Philippines, Brunei, Indonesia, and Australia.

It is jointly organised by the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak, Sarawak Skills, and the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), with support from strategic partners such as the Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia, the Ministry of Transport Sarawak, the Federation of Malaysian Skills Development Centres, the Department for Business and Trade of the British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, and Yayasan Peneraju.

The summit also aligns with the BIMP-EAGA Vision 2025, aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and sustainable development.

Also present were Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, Ministry for Education, Innovation and Talent Development deputy permanent secretary Anielia Siam, Sarawak Skills executive director Hallman Sabri, i-CATS vice chancellor Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi and other officials.

Abang Johari Tun Openg green economy Green Mobility Innovation Summit